Southern Launch signs 20-return Varda contract
Southern Launch and Varda Space Industries signed a contract for 20 additional spacecraft returns at the Koonibba Test Range through 2028.
Evidence notes
- The agreement adds 20 Varda capsule returns and supports a planned increase toward near-monthly missions by the end of 2028.
- It follows the W-2 and W-3 landings, which demonstrated repeatable commercial orbital-return operations at Koonibba.
- Southern Launch operates the range with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation, while Varda capsules return microgravity-manufacturing and research payloads.
Company context
Southern Launch operates Australian launch, re-entry and range facilities for commercial, civil and defence missions.